Check It Out !!

http://checkout.google.com

Google just released its new service Google Checkout™ -- a new service that makes online shopping faster, more convenient and more secure.

Some of the Key features.
1. You can search for the participating stores across the web.
2. Take advantage of Google Account, no need to sign up ahead of time. Just do your shopping and click the Google Checkout button to complete your purchase
3. Keep your credit card number and email address confidential.
4. Track all your orders and shipping in one place

Some Questions
1. Will it be PayPal killer or both will co-exist as Mastercard and Visa?
2. What is the big picture that Google Trio has in their Mind ?
3. What is Microsoft doing?

Its not a beta Product.
It hasn't yet come to India.

Rediff 's New Look

Did you also notice the new look of rediff ! If not have a look at the site http://in.rediff.com.

Here is the justification for the same by the CEO Ajit Balakrishnan:

The Internet is first, and foremost, about helping you connect with the world. The joy of being online is all about the interesting people you encounter and the opportunity to exchange views through the various tools we provide: Blogs (ILand), Social Networking (Connexions), Instant Messaging (Bol), Matchmaking (Matchmaker). We have gathered all these community services together under 'Featured Users' and hope this will make it easier for you to participate in our community...

Notice the word "community services" here.

So finally the indian portals have also started projected themselves as a community portal and service providers. Surely, content always matters, but what matters most is what is useful for the end-users.